May 2019 - Savour the Moment

A new member of the Barrister family

The new ‘Barrister in Wonderland’ is the latest arrival to the Barrister’s Book Chamber family https://barristersbookchamber.com. It is entirely dedicated to children’s books all stocked in the new, cosy premises. You will find it in rural North Notts https://www.northnotts.co.uk/. But this is not your average high street shop. This member of the family-run business only sells books for kids -in a very imaginative way. ‘The Barrister in Wonderland’ sits on a busy thoroughfare. It is bright, fun and instantly welcoming. The perfect place to get lost with a new find.

The striking shop from of the new book shop in town, black and gold with an Alice in Wonderland tea party themed window display — The Barrister in Wonderland, a children’s books shop with a difference

So many children’s books

The ‘Barrister in Wonderland’ is at 66 Carol Gate in the heart of the historic market town of Retford. As you might guess from its name, it reflects the classic story. It is an adventure inside and out. This is an independent bookshop that specialises in only children’s books. It aims to appeal to inquisitive minds.

Rows and rows of story books completely cover one wall — Story books galore

My own secret hiding place

The ‘Barrister’s Book Chamber’ itself arrived on the Retford high street eighteen months ago. However, since then I have taken many friends and family to visit this ‘book shop with a tea shop’. It is my ‘meeting place’ of choice. There are nooks and crannies in which to get cosy with a cup of tea and a piece of cake… the cakes, well that’s a whole blog on its own! So, I was very eager to meet the newest addition to the Barrister family.

Pink flamingos and strategically placed books making a striking display — The Alice in Wonderland tea party themed window

A real delight

This little gem is full of fun artwork, it covers every available surface. A tea party is the centre of the window display… and also on the ceiling inside! It is a sight to behold. Children of all ages will be completely entranced. There is even a ‘grassy’ area for kids to sit and sample new stories. See if you can find the White Rabbit disappearing into a hole with his pocket watch. I promise he is there but not quite where you might expect to find him.

A blue chair and a red table set for tea are secured upside down to the ceiling — A tea party on the ceiling!

Story book wall

An entire wall is filled with story books, both new and second-hand. There is a ‘Young Reader’ section too with easy to find books all sorted alphabetically by author. Board books for tinies for as little as £1. Arranged around the counter are vintage and classic story books and annuals. Then there is a reference or non-fiction section with history, science, maths, cookery, crafts… and of course, a teen fiction section.

An elaborate mirror, decorated with blue butterflies adds a very ‘Wonderland’ dimension to the shop — An elaborate mirror decorated with butterflies adds a different dimension to the shop

Souvenirs of the visit

Unique book-marks, page markers, story blocks and lots more can be purchased at pocket-money prices. A nice reminder of a visit to a very special little book shop.

A tiny fairy door behind which is another fairy door - lit and decorated. It’s low down near the floor, easily accessible for little fingers — A tiny fairy door behind which is another fairy door – lit and decorated. It’s low down near the floor, easily accessible for little fingers

Open to suggestions

The ‘Barrister in Wonderland’ is a children’s bookshop with a difference. The staff loves kids and kids’ books. The manager, Laura, is keen to form relationships with local schools. She would like to hear what her visitors want and will be led by them. Events will be very much driven by what her customers want.

Shelves of books for Young Readers — The Young Readers section

Inspiration for young minds

This bookshop is completely child-friendly and is bound to inspire and entertain young readers. It is jam-packed with brilliant characters, tall tales and wonderful stories. The perfect place to get lost together in a book.

A full size chair and small chair with a table by the fire on a grassy patch — Take a seat by the fire to settle down with a good book

Something for every child

There are bright displays to entice young readers to choose their next read, from board books for babies, to thrillers for teens. As a result there’s an eclectic collection with something for every child.

Bookish décor

The ‘Barrister in Wonderland’ is home to some of the cleverest, bookish decor you’ve ever seen. It is easy to navigate and there’s plenty of space to browse. Kids will love to explore the shelves and hand-pick their new favourite character.

A six foot high, higgledy-piggledy, stack of books are formed into in archway at the entrance of the shop — A higgledy-piggledy stack of books makes the perfect entrance into the shop

A comprehensive selection

This is a treasure trove of children’s books. A boutique that has almost every genre of book to inspire young ones to dive into a story. The in-the-know booksellers are eager to recommend the perfect story, which is sure to encourage a love of reading – in even the most reluctant of readers.

A box contains brown-paper wrapped books a cryptic message on the front, a pot luck blind date with a book — A unique idea – blind date with a book

A veritable treasure trove

This magical emporium is full of second-hand and new wares. Vintage finds and treasures just waiting to be discovered. It is exactly what it says above the door – a wonderland of books just for kids. Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in some classic and well-loved tales – at a pocket-money price!

Playing cards play an important role in the quirky decor — Quirky, Wonderland themed artwork

I can’t wait to see the look on the faces of my little ones when I take them to visit. This is definitely something to do with the grandkids https://thegrandparenthub.com/ when you visit North Notts https://www.innorthnotts.co.uk/